Adjustable pod support for machine control device

Abstract

Apparatus for adjusting the spatial position of a machine control device relative to a machine cab floor includes a support bracket defined by a pair of spaced parallel struts, and a pair of spaced cross beams orthogonally positioned relative to the struts, each cross beam having opposed ends rigidly securing the struts together. A laterally translatable carriage is supported on the cross beams for movement of the carriage between the struts along a first axis. The carriage includes a pair of spaced pin-receiving bores, orthogonally oriented with respect to the cross beams, that extend generally parallel to the struts. Spring-loaded pins may extend through each of the carriage bores to support movement of a control device along a second axis.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Apparatus for adjusting spatial position of a machine control pod relative to a fixed machine floor, the apparatus comprising:
 a support bracket defined by a pair of spaced struts and a pair of spaced cross beams orthogonally positioned relative to the struts, each cross beam having two opposed ends rigidly securing the struts together; 
 a carriage mounted on the cross beams via bores in the carriage through which the cross beams are disposed, the cross beams supporting the carriage for translatable movement of the carriage between the struts along a first axis; 
 the carriage including a pair of spaced pin-receiving bores aligned with the struts and being oriented orthogonally with respect to the cross beams; and 
 a pair of spring-loaded pins extending into each of the respective pin-receiving bores of the carriage, the pair of spring-loaded pins moveable in the pin-receiving bores along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; 
 whereby the machine control pod is adapted to be secured to the pair of spring-loaded pins and be translatable relative to the machine floor via the carriage along the first axis, and via the spring-loaded pins along the second axis. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a releasable friction lock, wherein the spatial position of the machine control pod may be adjusted single-handedly by a machine operator. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein movement of the carriage along the first axis is horizontally, and traverses between the struts of the bracket. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein movement of the pins along the second axis comprises vertical translation thereof within the carriage bores. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the struts are parallel with respect to one another. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cross beams are parallel with respect to one another. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the releasable friction lock interacts relative to the carriage with at least one of the pins to secure the pin at selective locations along the first axis. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the releasable friction lock interacts with at least one crossbeam to secure the carriage at selective locations along the second axis. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein upper portions of the pins engage a joystick support plate. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the releasable friction lock is actuated by a finger-controlled release lever and cable device.